WMU Cold Case Program recognized as national benchmark for student-police partnerships
Students in Western Michigan University’s Cold Case Program were recognized at the International Homicide Investigators Association’s most recent training for the impact they’ve had helping Michigan State Police and other law enforcement agencies resolve cold case investigations. The program has been involved in eight cold case solves so far and has collaborated with detectives to add manpower and an extra set of eyes to dozens more investigations.
Jeannine Shafer: A career adding up to big impact
Jeannine Shafer, administrative assistant II in the Department of Finance and Commercial Law, has spent 15 years at WMU supporting faculty members and students—and her efforts have added up in big ways. Retiring in June, Shafer’s career has been marked by both effectiveness and significant impact.
Lemmer named John O. Hallquist Endowed Professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Dr. Kristina M. Lemmer, a leading researcher in plasma and electric propulsion for spacecraft, has been named a John O. Hallquist Endowed Professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Western Michigan University.
New leadership at WMU's International Student and Scholar Services
Western Michigan University heads into the 2026-2027 school year with new leadership in its international office. The two will focus on international student support and recruitment.
Preserving History and Canopy: Collaborative Progress at The Oaklands Residence
A thoughtful transformation is underway at Western Michigan University’s historic Oaklands Residence.
WMU to Host Second Annual Southwest Michigan Vision Resource Fair
Western Michigan University's Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies will host the second annual Southwest Michigan Vision Resource Fair on Saturday, July 18, bringing together organizations, service providers and technology vendors dedicated to supporting individuals who are blind or have low vision.
Good for the community. Good for business.
Each semester, undergraduate students in WMU Haworth’s Business Ethics and Sustainability course skip the theoretical and get to work—for real organizations with real problems. In spring 2026, 204 students at Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business divided into 41 teams and delivered strategic plans, financial models, marketing campaigns and feasibility studies to 11 Kalamazoo organizations. Projects ranged from sustainable city operations to affordable housing to driver education access for underserved youth. Students log a minimum of 15 hours of community-based work and present final deliverables to the organizations that commissioned them. The course is part of Project Impact, a Haworth College of Business initiative integrating societal impact into business education, and fulfills a core requirement for all WMU Haworth undergraduates.
Professor explores the Vietnam War through music in interdisciplinary course and Bruce Springsteen research
Playwright, English professor and lifelong rock fan Dr. Steve Feffer has used music to teach history in the immersive course “The Vietnam War in Rock and Soul” for nine years. It inspired him to pursue his current research project, a book following the Vietnam War through a 25-song Bruce Springsteen playlist.
WMU sales program recognized as a leading program for nearly two decades
Western Michigan University’s sales and business marketing program has been recognized on the list of Top Universities and Colleges by the Sales Education Foundation. This marks the 19th time that Western’s sales program has made the list.
Aphasia awareness community workshops at WMU
This article is about a community event to learn about aphasia
WMU researchers identify the bot loop, reshaping how food brands reach the next generation of shoppers
Researchers at Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business have developed a new framework mapping how artificial intelligence is quietly rewriting the rules of food marketing and supply chain strategy.
WMU, West Michigan Aviation Academy launch aviation pathway to meet growing pilot demand
The new partnership between Western Michigan University and WMAA creates a guaranteed admission opportunity for Grand Rapids-area flight science students to the College of Aviation—one of the largest and most respected aviation programs in the country.
Dr. Jennifer P. Bott named chair of WMU’s Department of Marketing
Dr. Jennifer P. Bott has been named chair of the Department of Marketing at Western Michigan University. She will head WMU’s largest academic department and plans to collaborate with faculty, students and companies to grow programs and partnerships.
WMU jazz program again earns national honors from DownBeat magazine
This year, soloists and ensembles representing WMU won eight awards.
WMU, Make-A-Wish Michigan partner to support cancer survivor’s dreams of becoming a nurse
Make-A-Wish Michigan, in partnership with Western Michigan University, granted high school senior Adalae’s wish for tuition assistance as she pursues a degree in nursing, helping launch her next chapter as a college student and future advocate for children facing critical illnesses.